EP2925179A1

EP2925179A1 - A footgauge

Info

Publication number: EP2925179A1
Application number: EP13805953.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Chris Towns; Peter Rickett; Dan INNES
Original assignee: C&J Clark International Ltd
Current assignee: C&J Clark International Ltd
Priority date: 2012-12-06
Filing date: 2013-12-02
Publication date: 2015-10-07
Also published as: GB201321180D0; GB2510464B; WO2014087140A1; GB2510464A

Abstract

There is provided a footgasge -having- a main body with a planar surface (21) for receiving a foot wliich is: placed with the heel against an end abutment (18) and one side against a side abutment (219, 220). The surface 21 cooperates with a touchscreen of a data processing device and the toe end and opposite side of the foot can be traced on to the touchscreen with a stylus. Preferably the side abutments are movable in a lengthwise direction.

Description

A Footgauge

The present invention relates to footgauges for measuring the length and width of feet, particularly but not exclusively, the feet of babies, infants and children.

According to the present invention there is provided a footgauge comprising:

a main body,

a planar surface for, in use, receiving in contact therewith a sole of a foot;

an end abutment and a side abutment which are upstanding from the surface and which cooperate with the surface in use to locate the foot with a lengthwise end point of the foot in contact with the end abutment and a side edge of the foot in contact with the side abutment;

a touchscreen and associated data processing means such that the touchscreen is, in use, disposed below the opposite end point of the foot and an opposite side edge of the foot such that, in use, the location of the opposite end point and the opposite side edge of the foot can be traced on to the touchscreen by means of a stylus.

In some arrangements the surface immediately above at least part of the touchscreen comprises a through aperture.

In other arrangements at least part of the surface immediately above the touchscreen has a transparent window formed of a touchscreen compatible material. Preferably the uppermost surface of the window and the uppermost surface of the remainder of the planar surface are flush.

Ideally, the touchscreen and associated data processing means are constituted by a removable touchscreen computer device (TCD).

In preferred embodiments the TCD is receivable in a cradle which is selectively detachable from the main body and which supports the TCD in a predetermined position relative to the end and side abutments. Often the cradle incorporates a shallow recess for receiving the TCD, the depth

SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26 of the recess being such that the screen of the TCD engages or is immediately below the underside of the surface.

Conveniently the cradle and/or the main body incorporates a latch mechanism for retaining the cradle in the underside of the main body. In some arrangements the cradle has an end flange for engagement in a cooperating slot provided by the main body and an opposite end flange for engagement with said latch mechanism which is spring-loaded and is provided on the main body. In other arrangements the main body has a plurality of downwardly extending hooks which engage with corresponding projections provided on the cradle and which lock therewith a sliding action.

It is a preferred feature that the main body has an opposite side abutment spaced from the first side abutment for engaging a side edge of the opposite foot, the receiving space for the TCD being centrally disposed between and below the two side abutments. In some arrangements the two side abutments and the end abutments are provided by a continuous, U-shaped wall which is upstanding from the planar platform.

In an alternative arrangement the surface immediately above the receiving space comprises a through aperture.

According to another aspect there is provided a footgauge as disclosed above and a stylus for use in conjunction with a touchscreen computer device (TCD), the stylus comprising an elongate first element having a holding portion at one end and a screen engaging portion at the other end, and a second element comprising a body portion surrounding at least a portion of the first element, the first element being mounted for limited axial movement relative the cylindrical body portion and the body portion having an annular external contact surface.

Preferably the footgauge incorporates a docking port in which the stylus can be placed, cooperating formations on the stylus and the docking port releasably retaining the stylus in the docking port.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26 A further aspect of the present invention is a method of using a footgauge as disclosed above comprising the steps of: placing the sole of a foot against the planar surface with an end of the foot engaging the end abutment and a side of the foot engaging the side abutment; using a stylus to trace the opposite end point of the foot and the opposite side edge of the foot on to the touchscreen of the TCD; wherein the size and width of the foot are calculated by a program loaded on the data processing means.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail. The description makes reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a part exploded perspective view showing a footgauge according to the present invention together with a Touchscreen Computer Device [TCD],

Figure 2 is an underneath view of the cradle and main body of the footgauge separated,

Figure 3 is an underneath perspective view of the cradle and main body of figure 2 being assembled,

Figure 4 is an underneath view of the assembled footgauge,

Figure 5 is a side view of the footgauge,

Figure 6 is a section on line VI- VI of figure 5,

Figure 7 is a plan view of the footgauge,

Figure 8 is a section on line VIII- VIII of figure 7,

Figure 9 is a section on line ΙΧ-ΓΧ of figure 7,

Figure 10a is a vertical section through a stylus according to the present invention in an inactive position,

Figure 10b is a vertical section through the stylus in an active position,

Figures 11 to 14 show stages during the use of the footgauge and stylus to measure a pair of feet,

Figure 15 is a part exploded perspective view showing an alternative footgauge according to the present invention together with a Touchscreen Computer Device (TCD),

SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26 Figure 16 is a plan view of the footgauge of figure 15,

Figure 17 is a section on line A-A of figure 16,

Figure 18 is a section on line B-B of figure 16,

Figure 19 is a section on line C-C of figure 16,

Figure 20 is a section on line D-D of figure 16,

Figure 21 is a vertical section through a modified stylus in an active position,

Figure 22 is a perspective view of an alternative footgauge according to the present invention,

Figure 23 is a perspective view of the footgauge of figure 22 in an alternative configuration,

Figure 24 is a side view of the footgauge of figure 22, and

Figure 25 is an end view of the footgauge of figure 22.

In the figures there is shown a footgauge 10 comprising a main body 11 for use with a stylus 12. The main body 11 incorporates a removable cradle 13.

The main body 11 has a generally planar platform 14 which has an upward facing surface 15 for receiving in contact therewith a sole of a foot 16 when the footgauge 10 is in use. Upstanding from the platform 14 is a substantially U-shaped wall 17 which define an end abutment 18, a left side abutment 19 and a right side abutment 20 spaced from the left side abutment 19. The end abutment could be contoured to provide heel receiving cups and the main body could be contoured to maximise the ergonomics of the footgauge with regard to being held by the user.

The footgauge 10 is primarily intended for use in a 'weight off situation for baby or infant feet such that the main body is engaged with the foot without the person standing on the footgauge. It could however be adapted for use in a 'weight on' situation provided all necessary components had sufficient strength.

Midway between the side abutments 19, 20 is a window 21 formed from a material that is compatible with a screen of a Touchscreen Computer Device (TCD) 22 so as to register contacts with an upper

SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26 surface of the window 21 through to a TCD screen disposed below the window 21. In this way the material 21 protects the TCD screen. Ideally the upper surface of the window 21 is flush with the upward facing surface 15 of the platform 14 surrounding the window 21, as is shown in figures 8 and 9. The window 21 could also be formed as a through opening leaving the TCD screen exposed for direct contact with the stylus 12.

The cradle 13 provides a shallow recess 23 in its upward facing side and provides forward and rearward projecting flanges 24, 25 at each end. The shallow recess 23 is dimensioned for receiving a TCD 22 in a predetermined position therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the TCD 22 is in the form of a touchscreen telephone but it will be appreciated that the dimensional scaling of the footgauge, in particular the main body/ cradle/window, could easily be altered such that the TCD could be of any size or shape, for example a tablet or mini-tablet type TCD. The cradle recess 23 could also be adapted to be of variable size such that a single footgauge could be used with TCDs of varying sizes. Larger screens/windows can enable the footgauge to be usable with a greater range of foot sizes. See figures 15 to 20 and associated description for an example.

In the underside of the main body 11 is a receiving space or void 26 for receiving the cradle 13. The forward flange 24 of the cradle 13 is inserted into a forward slot 27 defined towards the forward end of the void 26 and the rearward flange 25 is then received in an openable rearward slot 28 towards the rearward end of the void 26. The rearward slot 28 is in part defined by a movable lip 29 provided by a latch mechanism 30. The latch mechanism 30 and hence the lip 29 is urged resiliency forward by a spring 31 (a coil spring in this example) such that the lip 29 is engaged below the rearward flange 25, thereby retaining the cradle 13 in the void 26 of the main body 11. The latch mechanism 30 can be moved rearwardly against the spring 31 by the user's finger (not shown) so as to release the cradle 13 from the main body 11.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26 The cradle 13 and the main body 11 are dimensioned such that the screen of the TCD 22 when in the cradle 13 is in contact with, or is in very close proximity to, the underside of the window 21 of the platform 14. In this way, stylus contact with the upper surface of the window 21 is transmitted to and registered by the TCD 22 via the screen.

The stylus 12 example shown in figures 10a and 10b comprises a first element 40 and a second element 41. The second element 41 comprises a cylindrical body portion 42 having a circular cylindrical, axially extending external contact surface 43 and an internal projection 44 having a central hole 45. The lower face 46 of the body portion is smooth and extends radially to enable the face 46 to slide easily over the upper surface of the window 21 with the surface 43 perpendicular to the surface of the window. The first element 40 comprises a holding portion 47 having a downwardly extending stem 48 which passes through the central hole 45 of the body portion. The lowermost end of the stem 48 has a screen engaging portion 49 in the form of a tip which could have any desired shape.

The first element 40 is axially movable relative to the body portion 42 but is resiliently urged upwards by a coil spring 50 disposed between the projection 44 and the holding portion 47. The stylus has an inactive position in which the first element 40 is urged upwards by the spring 50 so that the screen engaging portion 49 is retracted (figure 10a). The stylus also has an active position in which the first element 40 is pressed down against the force of the spring 50 so that the screen engaging portion 49 is level with the radial face 46 of the body portion 42 so as to engage the upper surface of the window 21 through which the contact is registered on the screen of the TCD 22 disposed in the cradle. Again the materials of the first element 40 must be TCD compatible such as to register contacts with the window 21 /screen of the TCD 23.

Some of the figures show the U-shaped wall 17 of the main body of the footgauge 10 incorporating a port 60 for receiving the stylus 12.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26 The port 60 could also incorporate means for retaining the stylus such as by friction or a latch or some other mechanism.

The footgauge 10 in use is shown in figures 11 to 14. Firstly, the TCD 22 is placed in the cradle 13 which is then located in the void 26 in the main body 11 by means of the latch mechanism 30 described above. The right foot 16 to be measured for length is placed on the upward facing surface 15 of the platform 14 so that a lengthwise end of the foot, namely the heel in this embodiment, abuts the end abutment 18 of the U-shaped wall 17 and the right hand edge of the foot abuts the right side abutment 20. The footgauge 11 and the window 21 are dimensioned so that the opposite end of the foot, namely the furthest toe point and the opposite (left) edge of the foot, are positioned above the window 21.

The stylus 12 is then placed on the platform 14 so that its axial contact surface 43 lies against the perimeter of the foot and the lower face 46 lies against the platform. Downward pressure is applied to the holding portion 47 of the stylus so that the screen engaging portion 49 is moved into its active position. The stylus 12 is then moved around the foot 16 such that the stylus follows a path 51 determined by the shape of the foot and that part of the path around the furthest toe point and the opposite (left) edge of the foot is transmitted through the window and into the TCD 23 via its screen. The flushness of the top surface 15 of the platform and the window 21 makes the tracing process smoother and easier.

The TCD 22 incorporates suitable programming (an app) such that from the traced path, from the predetermined location of the TCD relative to the side and end abutment and from the known radial distance from the lengthwise axis of the stylus 12 to the axial contact surface 43, the TCD can calculate and display the foot size and/or the foot width.

By keeping the radial lower face 46 of the body portion flat against the window and the axial contact surface 43 against the foot, an accurate tracing can be made. Although it would be possible to adapt the invention for use with a simple elongate stylus or for use with a finger instead of a separate stylus it is essential to keep it vertical because

SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26 angling of the stylus would result in inaccurate tracing and hence inaccurate foot measurements, unless appropriate changes were made to the app in the TCD.

The footgauge embodiment shown in figures 15 to 20 is similar in many aspects to that shown in the earlier figures. Like parts have, therefore, been given like reference numerals. The embodiment of figures 15 to 20 shows a footgauge 110 in which is incorporated a TCD in the form of a computer tablet or mini-tablet. Actual size is not relevant to the overall construction and operating principal of the footgauge 110/stylus combination.

Again, the footgauge 110 has a main body 11 which incorporates the planar platform 14 and upstanding wall 17 defining the end abutment and side abutments. The main body 11 connects to a lower cradle 13/body portion which provides a recess for the TCD 22. Various locating tabs 111 are provided in the cradle and/or the main body 11 to ensure correct positioning of the TCD 22. The main body 11 also has a series of downwardly extending hooks 112 (see figure 19) which engage below corresponding projections 113 on the cradle 13 as a result of a small sliding action after the main body and the cradle meet each other.

An optional further locking arrangement 114 is provided in the base of the port 60 for receiving the stylus 12 but this will not be discussed in detail. The further locking arrangement is somewhat concealed but can be unlocked in order to enable the main body 11 and cradle 13 to be separated so as to remove the TCD. The port 60 also shows in figures 16 and 20 a series of resilient tongues 115 spaced around the inner periphery of the port 60. These tongues 115 can engage in a corresponding recess 116 or recesses provided in the outer surface of the stylus 112 shown in figure 21 so as to selectively retain the stylus 112 in the port with a light snap-action. In stylus 112 there is also a recess 113 in the underside of the body portion 42 to reduce friction with the touchscreen. There is also a stepped recess 62 having an upper shoulder

SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26 63 which limits upward travel of the screen engaging portion 49 away from the screen.

The cradle 13 also optionally provides one or more openings 117 through which power or data plugs can be inserted into the TCD. The main body 11 again provides a transparent window 21 formed of a touchscreen compatible material on which window 21 the stylus moves. The window 21 protects the actual screen of the TCD but it is possible to envisage embodiments in which the window 21 is a through opening and the stylus 12 engages the screen 10 of the TCD directly.

It is also noted that the underside of the cradle incorporates one or more contours 118 in the form of depressions and/or formations which facilitate operation of the device. In particular these enable the user to hold better the foot of an infant against the screen whilst at the same time tracing the foot outline with a stylus.

It is also envisaged that the footgauge and TCD combination could readily be effected as a fully integrated, stand-alone footgauge with the touchscreen 10 and associated data processing means incorporated in a single unit. Clearly in such an arrangement there would be no removable TCD and the data processing means may incorporate all or a selection of one or more data processors, program storage such as RAM, ROM, control circuits, a power source.

In an alternative stylus, there is provided a freely rotating cylindrical sleeve around the body portion 42. In this arrangement the axial contact surface 43 is constituted by the external surface of the cylindrical sleeve. In such an embodiment the stylus is able to roll around the periphery of the foot rather than just be in contact with the foot while the stylus is being used to trace around the foot. Any change to the diameter of the stylus can be reflected in the programming of the app to ensure accurate measurement.

Figures 22 to 25 show an alternative footgauge 210 which is similar in many respects to the footgauge 110 shown in figures 15 to 20. Like parts have been given like reference numerals. The footgauge 210

SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26 has been modified in order to assist the user during the foot measuring process and is better suited to measuring feet of different lengths regardless of whether the user is left or right handed.

In the footgauge 210 there is provided on each side of the footgauge a reduced length side abutment 219, 220. Each of these reduced length side abutments is connected through a slot 211 to a handle 212 which is disposed at the underside of the footgauge 210 and each reduced length side abutment 219, 220 is mounted for independent, linear lengthwise guided travel along the side of the footgauge. The side abutments 219, 220 may be movable independently of each other or together and they may be selectively securable in a chosen position relative to the heel abutment 18. Other guide means such as channels, rails, toothed racks would be possible. Figure 22 shows the side abutments at positions remote from the end/heel abutment 18 and figure 23 shows the side abutments at positions adjacent the end/heel abutment 18. Each handle 212 may have formations 213 for locating the fingers of the user. The side edge portions 214 of the footgauge platform laterally beyond the window 21 are flush with the window 21 for reasons which will be explained.

Some users of the footgauge, that is people using the device to measure the feet of a customer, tend to prefer to hold the footgauge with the same hand (left or right) regardless of which customer foot is being measured. During the measuring process the user's fingers are placed through the handle 212 under the footgauge with the thumb placed on top of the foot of the customer to apply gentle downward pressure to ensure the foot is flat on the window 21. The handle 212 and formations 213 assist this process in which one side of the foot at its widest point lies against the side abutment. When the user traces the outline of the foot (in a similar manner to that shown in figures 12 and 13), the stylus 12; 112 is able to run off the side of the footgauge beyond the line of the side abutment and over the flush side edge portions 214.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26 A user who uses only one hand to hold the footgauge and the customer's foot, regardless of which foot is being measured, can therefore measure either foot against the same side abutment. The run-off feature created by the flush side edge portions and movable side abutments mean that accurate foot length measurements can be made even when the longest point of the foot is closest to the side abutment (e.g. right foot being in engagement with the left side abutment 219). When there is a wall instead of the run off area 214 the width of the stylus can result in the stylus contacting the side wall before it has fully registered the longest point of the foot. The embodiment of figures 22 to 25 seeks to overcome this issue.

It is envisaged that a footgauge according to the present invention could incorporate an end/heel abutment and a single side abutment whilst still being suitable for measuring both right and left feet.

The main body 11, the stylus 12 and the cradle 13 can be formed of any suitable material such as plastic but could also be formed at least in part from metal or wood. Also, other ways of securing the cradle 13 in the main body 11, or otherwise securing a TCD 22 below the window 21, are readily envisaged and covered by the attached claims.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26

Claims

1. A footgauge comprising:

a main body,

a planar surface for, in use, receiving in contact therewith a sole of a foot;

2. A footgauge as claimed in claim 1 wherein the surface immediately above at least part of the touchscreen comprises a through aperture.

3. A footgauge as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least part of the surface immediately above the touchscreen has a transparent window formed of a touchscreen compatible material.

4. A footgauge as claimed in claim 3 wherein the uppermost surface of the window and the uppermost surface of the remainder of the planar surface are flush.

5. A footgauge as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the touchscreen and associated data processing means are constituted by a removable touchscreen computer device (TCD).

6. A footgauge as claimed in claim 5 wherein the TCD is receivable in a cradle which is selectively detachable from the main body and which supports the TCD in a predetermined position relative to the end and side abutments.

7. A footgauge as claimed in claim 6 wherein the cradle incorporates a shallow recess for receiving the TCD, the depth of the recess being such that the screen of the TCD engages or is immediately below the underside of the surface.

8. A footgauge as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the cradle and/or the main body incorporates a latch mechanism for retaining the cradle in the underside of the main body.

9. A footgauge as claimed in claim 8 wherein the cradle has an end flange for engagement in a cooperating slot provided by the main body and an opposite end flange for engagement with said latch mechanism which is spring-loaded and is provided on the main body.

10. A footgauge as claimed in claim 8 wherein the main body has a plurality of downwardly extending hooks which engage with corresponding projections provided on the cradle and which lock therewith a sliding action.

11. A footgauge as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the main body has an opposite side abutment spaced from the first side abutment for engaging a side edge of the opposite foot, the receiving space for the TCD being centrally disposed between and below the two side abutments.

12. A footgauge as claimed in claim 11 wherein the two side abutments and the end abutments are provided by a continuous, U-shaped wall which is upstanding from the planar platform.

13. A footgauge as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the underside of the footgauge is contoured to facilitate gripping of the footgauge.

14. A footgauge as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the or each side abutment is movable in a linear, lengthwise direction towards and away from the end abutment.

15. A footgauge as claimed in claim 14 wherein the or each side abutment is connected to a handle provided at the underside of the footgauge.

16. A footgauge as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15 wherein the planar surface extends laterally outwards beyond the or each side abutment.

17. In combination a footgauge as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 and a stylus for use in conjunction with a touchscreen computer device (TCD), the stylus comprising an elongate first element having a holding portion at one end and a screen engaging portion at the other end, and a second element comprising a body portion surrounding at least a portion of the first element, the first element being mounted for limited axial movement relative the cylindrical body portion and the body portion having an annular external contact surface.

18. The combination of claim 17 wherein the footgauge incorporates a docking port in which the stylus can be placed, cooperating formations on the stylus and the docking port releasably retaining the stylus in the docking port.

A method of using a footgauge as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 comprising the steps of:

placing the sole of a foot against the planar surface with an end of the foot engaging the end abutment and a side of the foot engaging the side abutment;

using a stylus to trace the opposite end point of the foot and the opposite side edge of the foot on to the touchscreen;

wherein the size and width of the foot are calculated by a program loaded on the data processing means.